This is something I’ve noticed lately. A lot of hifi shops and hifi manufacturers have helpful staff, but just as many are extremely rude and arrogant.
I’ve had people speak condescendingly about my amp when I’m demoing speakers. Same thing for my speakers. I’ve even had someone, and I kid you not, tell me my streamer has shit sound quality.
It seems like hifi shops are either extremely helpful or just downright awful. The same with manufacturers, they either recognise that there exists alternatives or everything sucks ass compared to their product.
It’s not unique to audio of course; every hobby, profession etc has similar attitudes. Audio with it’s combo of objective & subjective elements promotes a special breed. Let’s not forget that audiophiles themselves are pretty bad if not worse so maybe there’s a feedback loop.